Empowered For The Mission (Romans 12)
Today, I want us to bridge the our theme from last year with this year. Last year, we studied how we are supposed to "Become the Body of Christ," understanding our unique roles and the unity that defines us. This year, we’ve uncovered "The Mission of God," exploring the depth of Jesus' encounters with individuals from various walks of life. Today, we stand at the crossroads of these themes, guided by the timeless words of Romans 12.
Romans 12 serves as a blueprint for action, a divine instruction manual on how to live out the mission of God through the gifts He has entrusted to each of us. In this chapter, Paul urges us to present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is our true and proper worship.
As we reflect on the lessons learned from our encounters with the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, and Nicodemus, we see a common thread woven through each story. Jesus, with intentionality and love, reaches out, accepts, and transforms lives. He doesn’t do this from a distance; He engages personally, using the gifts of His divinity to touch the very core of human need.
Today, we turn our gaze inward and ask ourselves a critical question: How are we using the gifts God has given us to continue this mission? Are we, like Jesus, actively engaging with those around us, offering hope, acceptance, and transformation? Or have we allowed our gifts to lie dormant, unused, or unrecognized?
In Romans 12, we find a call to action that is as relevant today as it was in Paul’s time. It’s a call to recognize the diversity of our gifts and the unity of our purpose. It's a reminder that every act of service, no matter how small it may seem, is a vital thread in the fabric of God’s mission.
As we dive into this message, let us be inspired to harness our gifts, to step beyond the confines of our comfort zones, and to actively participate in the mission of reaching and loving people. Let’s explore together how what we have learned can ignite a willingness to use our gifts, to see the often unseen, and to value the often forgotten, for the fulfillment of God’s mission.
As we transition from the Gospels to Paul's letter to the Romans, we find a direct call to action that encapsulates the essence of our discussions thus far. Romans 12 serves as a comprehensive guide for living out the mission of God through the use of our gifts.
Living Sacrifices: The Foundation of Service
Paul begins by urging us to offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—our true and proper worship (Romans 12:1). This isn't about physical sacrifice but a metaphor for a life wholly devoted to God, a life that reflects His love and grace in every action.
Romans 12:2 challenges us to not conform to the pattern of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. It’s this transformation that enables us to test and approve what God's will is—His good, pleasing, and perfect will. It's a call to align our desires, our actions, and our very beings with the mission God has set before us.
Moving forward, Paul outlines the diversity of gifts within the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8). Whether it's prophesying, serving, teaching, encouraging, giving, leading, or showing mercy, each gift is given for the purpose of serving others and building up the church.
The inclusion of Romans 12:1-2 serves as a nudge towards a life of sacrificial service. It reminds us that our gifts are not for our own benefit but for the service of others, to meet needs, to encourage growth, and to spread the love of Christ.
Reflecting on Jesus' interactions and the teachings of Romans 12, we're reminded of the holistic nature of our mission. It's not just about doing; it's about becoming—becoming more like Christ in our willingness to serve sacrificially, to use our diverse gifts for the common good, and to engage deeply with those around us in a way that reflects the heart of God.
Unseen and Forgotten Gifts
Romans 12:3–8 (ESV) — 3 For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. 4 For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, 5 so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. 6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.
As we continue, we will consider the spectrum of gifts Paul mentions—some prominent and readily celebrated, others more subtle, yet equally vital to the body of Christ. In our pursuit of serving within the mission of God, it's crucial to shine a light on these often unseen and forgotten gifts, recognizing their indispensable role in our collective calling.
“In proportion to our faith” is a statement being made about the link between our work in the kingdom and our faith. God has given us gifts that become stronger as we learn to trust him. If you don’t have much faith, don’t use your gift. Do you see the challenge? How much faith do we have?
The Gift of Service: Service, or ministry, is highlighted as a key gift. It encompasses a wide range of actions, all designed to support and build up the church. Whether it's through practical help, administrative skills, or hands-on ministry, serving is a fundamental expression of love and commitment to God's people. When we look at a sister text in Ephesians, we see that those who aren’t teaching need to be equipped for their ministry
The Gift of Teaching: Next, Paul mentions the gift of teaching. Teachers are tasked with the responsibility of accurately communicating God’s Word, ensuring that the truth of the Scripture is understood and applied. This gift is vital for the growth and maturation of the church, nurturing believers in their faith journey.
The Ministry of Encouragement or Exhortation: Encouragers are the unsung heroes within our midst, lifting spirits, bolstering faith, and nurturing hope in times of despair. Their words, often spoken quietly behind closed doors, carry the power to sustain weary souls on their spiritual journey. Some of us are more positive than others. Those gifted with encouragement have a unique ability to see the potential in others and to spur them on towards love and good deeds. Encouragers need to relentlessly lift one another up. They need encouragement too, but they are not here to receive. They are here to give their positivity. Exhortation, goes beyond mere encouragement. It involves urging fellow believers towards spiritual growth and faith-driven action, offering support, motivation, and sometimes correction, all rooted in a deep love for God’s people.
The Act of Generosity: Beyond financial giving, generosity manifests in the sharing of time, resources, and presence. Generous individuals mirror God’s generosity towards us, providing not out of abundance but out of a heart moved by empathy and love. The generous make it possible for people to eat, for work to get done quicker and more effectively, and for the church to accomplish their mission on earth.
Leading with Diligence: Leadership, according to Romans 12:8, should be exercised with diligence and zeal. Leaders are to guide, protect, and shepherd God’s people, doing so with care and integrity, ensuring that the church remains focused and effective in its mission. Leaders are called to steward their roles with vision and care, guiding the church towards unity, maturity, and the effective fulfillment of its mission. They show the congregation how to live and act. Their sacrificial service is inspirational for all of us to endure and press on toward the goal.
The Service of Hospitality: Hospitality is hosting, but it also extends beyond hosting; it's about creating spaces of welcome and safety, where people can encounter the tangible love of Christ. Those gifted with hospitality turn ordinary moments into opportunities for ministry, making room at the table for everyone. They look for the socially awkward and make them feel right at home.
Intercessory Prayer: Perhaps one of the most powerful yet overlooked gifts is the commitment to intercede for others. Intercessors engage in spiritual battles, standing in the gap for the church, the community, and the world, wielding prayer as a mighty instrument of change. Those who devote their lives to prayer make an enormous impact on the spiritual and numerical growth of the kingdom of God.
The Importance of Presence: Simply being there for someone—listening, sharing space, offering silent support—can be a profound ministry. The ministry of presence reflects Jesus’ own approach, as He was often simply "with" people, sharing in their realities.
It All Matters!
In recognizing and valuing these unseen and forgotten gifts, we're reminded that every act of service, no matter how small or inconspicuous, is significant in God's eyes. The mission of God thrives not only on the grand gestures but equally on the quiet, behind-the-scenes acts of love, mercy, and support.
Let us then embrace and cultivate these gifts within our community, acknowledging their critical role in fulfilling our mission to reach and love people. By doing so, we not only become the Body of Christ in action but also manifest the very essence of the Gospel in our daily lives.
Application: Empowering the Mission Through Our Gifts
As we've journeyed through the teachings of Romans 12 and reflected on the impactful encounters between Jesus and individuals like the Samaritan woman, Zacchaeus, and Nicodemus, we arrive at a crucial juncture—the application of these profound truths to our lives and our collective mission. This final section combines the essence of living out our gifts in sacrificial service, fostering a willingness to serve, and embodying the unity and diversity of the Body of Christ.
Living Sacrificially: A Call to Action
Paul's exhortation to present our bodies as living sacrifices and to not conform to the pattern of this world challenges us to a higher standard of service. This isn't merely about doing good deeds; it's about a transformative way of life that seeks to mirror Christ's love and sacrifice in every interaction. Whether it's through mercy, encouragement, generosity, or hospitality, our service should transcend mere obligation, becoming a heartfelt expression of worship.
Cultivating Willingness: The Heart Behind the Gifts
The encounters we've explored remind us that our mission is deeply relational, requiring more than just the application of our skills—it demands a willingness to engage authentically with those around us. As we consider using our gifts, let's also examine our hearts. Are we serving from a place of genuine love and compassion? Are we open to stepping out of our comfort zones, using our gifts in new and perhaps challenging contexts? Our willingness to serve, guided by the Holy Spirit, is what breathes life into our gifts and makes our service impactful.
The truth is that our excitement level has an impact on our effectiveness. I love this quote from a book I’ve been reading called the 12 week year.
“Everything we do in life is a choice. Even in an environment where there are requirements of you, you still have choice, but there is a big difference when you approach something as a choose-to versus a have-to. When something is a have-to it's a burden, it's cumbersome, and, at best, you meet the minimum standards; however, the realization that you ultimately have choice creates a very different scenario. When you choose to do something, you are able to tap your resources and give your best. It is a much more empowering stance. Ultimately, you choose your actions, your results, your consequences.”
Conclusion
Romans 12 not only highlights the diversity of gifts but also calls us to unity within the body of Christ. This unity is not uniformity; it's a harmonious blend of varied gifts, personalities, and callings, all working together for a common purpose. As we seek to use our gifts, let's also strive to appreciate and encourage the gifts in others, recognizing that every member of the body is vital for the mission of God to flourish.
In drawing these threads together, we're invited to see our gifts as not just personal abilities but as integral components of God's mission. Our encounters with Jesus teach us the importance of reaching out with empathy, acceptance, and transformative love. Romans 12 provides the blueprint for how we can live this out, calling us to sacrificial service, a willingness to engage, and a commitment to unity and diversity.
As we move forward, let's commit to using our gifts with purpose, to serving with a heart transformed by Christ, and to being active participants in the mission of God. Let us be the Body of Christ, not just in name but in action, reaching out to a world in need with the hope, love, and transformation only He can bring.
This isn't just about doing church better; it's about being the Church—a living, breathing embodiment of Christ's love and mission in the world. It's about seeing every interaction, every gift, and every act of service as a vital part of God's plan to redeem and restore.
What is your temperament, personality, preferences, abilities, and gifting? What have you trained yourself to be proficient at? What would you love to devote yourself to on a daily, weekly and monthly basis? Finally, what goals are you setting to get you there?